The Social Health Authority (SHA) has clarified and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to a transparent, inclusive, and merit-based recruitment process.
The Authority is actively implementing a comprehensive recruitment drive aimed at hiring 815 officers across various cadres critical to the operationalization of the new social health insurance model.
According to a press release sent to newsrooms, 144 officers have been successfully recruited to date, representing approximately 17 per cent of the total required workforce.
“This process is ongoing with additional phases scheduled in the coming weeks to ensure timely and efficient staffing aligned with national health priorities,” the statement read.
In strict adherence to the Constitution of Kenya and the National Cohesion and Integration Act, the Authority has maintained that it has taken deliberate steps to ensure that its workforce reflects the rich diversity of the Kenyan population.
Therefore, to date, SHA’s newly recruited staff hail from 24 distinct ethnic communities across the country, fostering genuine national representation within the Authority.
“This approach ensures that we are building an institution that truly represents the face of Kenya, strengthening social cohesion and ensuring healthcare services are delivered with cultural importance,” read the statement.
Furthermore, the Authority expressed pride in demonstrating leadership in inclusivity as it has not only met but surpassed the national 5 per cent employment recruitment for Persons with Disability (PWDs).
Notably, SHA has integrated qualified individuals with disabilities into varied roles across its structure, reflecting inclusivity as a core value.
Moreover, in compliance with the transitional clause of the Social Health Insurance Act No. 16 of 2023, and aligned with Court and Government directives, the Authority has accorded priority consideration to former NHIF employees whose roles are relevant to the Authority’s mandate. This strategic approach ensures continuity of institutional knowledge and preserves technical expertise.
However, these appointments are not automatic; professionals undergo rigorous assessment to ensure they meet SHA’s competency and integrity standards, ensuring that prioritization does not compromise merit.
In addressing misinformation regarding these appointments, the Authority has paid attention to a partial list purporting to represent SHA’s entire recruitment that is circulating online to which the Authority has clarified that it’s neither comprehensive nor official.
Specifically, the Authority insists that the list omits critical context, including the ongoing nature of the hiring process and the full diversity of appointed candidates.
“We urge the public to disregard incomplete information that may be circulated to fuel misleading narratives,” cautioned the Authority, stressing that SHA remains committed to transparency and will continue publishing all shortlists and appointments through official channels.
“As we build the workforce necessary to deliver on our mandate of providing affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare to Kenyans, we remain guided strictly by constitutional values and the Social Health Insurance Act,” the Authority reiterated.
Meanwhile, SHA reaffirms that it remains steadfastly focused on its vision: to establish a sustainable and equitable health financing system that guarantees every Kenyan access to essential health services.
“We assure the public that all appointments will continue to be made strictly on merit, fairness, and adherence to national values,” affirmed the authority.
By Michael Omondi
